The Sunshine Coast has welcomed some of Australia’s top musical theatre stars, with special events for students at Buderim Youth Theatre of Excellence (BYTE) and Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

Yesterday, Chelsea Gibb and Amanda Harrison appeared at Buderim Memorial Hall for a discussion with Robyn Ernst’sBYTE Master Class students about the performing arts industry in Australia and overseas.

These two triple threats were relaxed and chatty, as they sat, swinging their legs, on the edge of the stage and talked about how they got their start in the industry, what it’s like to be “stayers” in the industry and what differentiates a dancer from a “mover”. They discussed what it is that makes it all worthwhile, how to fit a family and the demands of being a mother into a real working career in the performing arts, and shared some valuable tips for auditions.

Run up a hill until your heart is beating SO fast and stop and sing. That’s what it’s like to sing when you’re nervous, with your heart beating that fast…You have to squish it all down! – Amanda

Gaining experience, skills and work outside of the arts industry is vital to sustaining a career in musical theatre, at least in this country, and so is having a close-knit group of like-minded friends to help you through the lows and celebrate the highs. Amanda noted that so many of the friends come from wherever you’ve studied and of course, from the productions in which you’ve been involved.

Both Chelsea and Amanda mentioned their concerns over the rise and rise of the Internet during their careers, and the damage that heartless, careless critics and bloggers can do to artists and to the industry. They explained very well that as artists they expect support and honest feedback. Chelsea admitted she doesn’t mind if an individual doesn’t love her interpretation of a character, or her tonal quality, but doesn’t see the need for a reviewer to resort to personal jibes and attacks. Amanda agreed and both advised staying away from what’s written about the show you’re in while you’re in it!

Today Matthew Flinders Anglican College students will have the opportunity to attend a Q&A session at Flinders Performance Centre during their lunch time.

At Flinders Performance Centre in Buderim for ONE NIGHT ONLY enjoy an evening of your favourite film songs, hosted by HOT91FM’s Todd Widdicombe and performed by some of the brightest stars of Australian musical theatre for MontroseAccess, supporting children with physical disabilities.

SCD Arts Friday March 14 2014

Awards season is drawing to a close and whether or not there’s a trophy to show for it, the best reward for a performer is still the applause at the end of a show and the relationships formed during the process.

Noosa Arts Theatre’s latest production, Minefields and Miniskirts, is a surprisingly moving example of the impact on artists and audiences of a carefully considered text, which is gently, lovingly interlaced with imagery, sound and lighting to tell the most horrific (and, at times, tender) of stories. Director, Jenni McCaul, and a talented cast of five (+ Jo Hendrie on vocals and guitar) have worked some magic to bring us a timely piece of historical and emotional truth from the hearts of real women who felt the full impact of the Vietnam War. I blinked back tears on more than one occasion. Clearly, the women have bonded during the creative process – there is a tangible connection between them – and unfortunately, not all of you will get to experience it. It’s a very short season in a very lovely and very intimate theatre, and if you think it might be just(ice) what you need in the coming week, you’d better book because once word gets out after opening night tonight, this show will be a sell out!

Minefields and Miniskirts is the most unassuming, quietly powerful production you’ll see on the Sunshine Coast this year.

The Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance is a rapidly growing community of theatre makers and theatre lovers, and with the Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival coming up in August, the committee is now busy planning for a whole week of events, including forums and workshops, as well as staging their own productions for the enjoyment of artists and audiences. If you’ve never been involved in the theatre now is the perfect time to check out the local scene. With plenty of shows going on each month there is literally something for everyone at the moment! For production and audition information check out livetheatre.com.au and for enquiries email sam@xsentertaiment.com.au

Minefields and Miniskirts

Through song and intimate storytelling, Minefields and Miniskirts shares the memories of the women affected by the Vietnam War. Featuring iconic songs from the era, these are the voices of the ordinary women who were actually there. Find out how they survived and what they believed in. Directed by Jenni McCaul and features Kitten Styler, Julia Verburgt, Sharon Grimley, Tania Nash, Jannine Ritchie and Jo Hendrie. Noosa Arts Theatre March 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 at 7:30pm. Matinees March 16 at 2pm and March 22 at 1pm. Bookings noosaartstheatre.org.au or call 5449 9343

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

A chaotic black comedy preceded by an Italian street festival has taken over the Student Guild (uni club) at USC. Performing Arts Kollective (PAK), directed by Peta Beattie, presents Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist for one more weekend. USC Student Guild March 14 & 15 at 7:30pm and March 16 at 6:30pm. The Be Italian Festival starts an hour before show time. Bookings trybooking.com/73979

Rarely do we see this calibre of talent on a Sunshine Coast stage but for one night only we welcome some of Australia’s top musical theatre stars to Flinders Performance Centre (March 21) at 7:30pm. Local dancers from Fierce Studios will join hosts, Todd and Sami from Hot91FM, and a line up that stars Patrice Tipoki (Fantine in the upcoming professional touring production of Les Miserables), Simon Gleeson (Valjean in the upcoming professional touring production of Les Miserables), Amanda Harrison (Wicked), Chelsea Gibb (Chicago), Mark Vincent (Australia’ Got Talent) and Laura Tipoki (Associate Musical Director at Wicked). All proceeds go to MontroseAccess, supporting children with disability. Bookings trybooking.com/75622. To get a special price for Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance members and students email lliesegang@montroseaccess.org

Four Weddings and an Elvis

Share in the hilarity of the most memorable matrimonies witnessed by Sandy, a four-times-married-three-times-divorced wedding chapel owner. FourWeddings and an Elvis is a heart-warming comedy featuring Coolum Theatre Players’ Jennifer Rousset, Wendy McDermott, Richard Kent, Marilyn Davies and more. Book a table of 8 and BYO nibbles and drinks at Coolum Civic Centre March 21, 22, 28 & 29 at 7:30pm. Matinees March 23 & 30 at 2pm. Bookings coolum.com.au/theatre

Date Claimer – Songs From the Tavern

Songs From the Tavern brings together local talent and friends for a fundraiser for Joan Benson, local arts identity and staunch supporter of Sunshine Coast performing arts. Enjoy a night of music, dance, drama, comedy and more at Maleny Community Centre April 4 & 5 at 8pm. Bookings 5494 2841

Auditions

BATS will hold auditions for Drifting, winner of the Edythe Brook Cooper 2014 Playwriting Competition on Monday March 17 at 7.30 pm at Buderim War Memorial Hall. Written by Jo Denver, Directed by John McMahon. Each year, members of the Rossi/Sullivan family get together for the Christmas break. This year a new life joins the family, and a much loved member, Enid, slips further into Alzheimers. For details or to book an audition email johnnymac45@hotmail.com

In the Heights

USC Performing Arts Kollective (PAK) will hold auditions for award winning Broadway musical, In the Heights, on Tuesday March 18 at the yoga room at USC Sports Stadium. For details or to book your audition email pakusc@gmail.com

Sweet Fanny Adams

Directed by Errol Morrison, Sweet Fanny Adams tells the tales of rivalry between the infamous Kitty Divine and Fanny Adams, brothel owners in 1930s Sydney. Not as dark as you might think, this is a musical comedy and a whole lot of fun to perform. Auditions at Studio 2 Dance academy, Rigby Street, Nambour March 27 & 31 at 7pm. For details or to book your audition email erjmorrison@optusnet.com.au or call 0412 396 373

Jerry’s Girls

Celebrating the music and lyrics of award winning Broadway composer, Jerry Herman. Information night at Noosa Arts Theatre March 26 at 7:30pm. Auditions at Noosa Arts Theatre April 2 at 7:30pm (soloists) and April 6 at 10am (ensemble). For details or to book an audition call 5449 9343

Sweet Charity

Charity Hope longs for love but has bad luck with men in this light-hearted musical comedy. Auditions Coolum Civic Centre April 7 at 7:30pm & April 9 at 7pm. For details or to book an audition call Director, Linda Gefken 0402 414 637

SCD Arts Friday March 7 2014

Sunshine Coast to host top musical theatre talent

Never before has the Sunshine Coast seen so many of Australia’s best musical theatre stars together on the same local stage. This year, after a sell-out show in 2013, A Little Night of Music returns for one night only, at Flinders Performance Centre in Buderim on Friday March 21. Hosted by Hot91FM’s Todd and Sami, A Little Night of Music features Patrice Tipoki (Fantine in the upcoming professional touring production of Les Miserables), Simon Gleeson (Valjean in the upcoming professional touring production of Les Miserables), Amanda Harrison (Wicked, An Officer and a Gentleman), Chelsea Gibb (Chicago) and Mark Vincent (Australia’s Got Talent). Joined on stage by our favourite local talent, don’t miss a spectacular evening of the very best songs from the silver screen. With all proceeds going to MontroseAccess, supporting children with disabilities, this is a must-do very special event.

Special prices for student groups and Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance members (email lliesegang@montroseaccess.org.au).

After three years in the position, President of the Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance, XS Entertainment’s Sam Coward, was re-elected this week in a unanimous move to continue bringing new groups to the Alliance and new audiences to local theatres. Stephen Moore was elected Vice President, Julie Marshall Treasurer and Samantha Fazldeen Secretary. The Alliance welcomes new members and supports pursuits in the performing arts for fun and for industry. Details livetheatre.com.au

Winning Playwrights National One-Act Playwriting Competition

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2014 Noosa Arts Theatre National One-Act Playwriting Competition, Frank Wilkie for his play, The Devil’s Dance, Michelle McCormick from Western Australia for The Invitation, and Michiko Beatrice Lee Parnell from Western Australia for Instructions For Two or More Players. This is Noosa Councillor Frank Wilkie’s second time as a Finalist. No surprises there, as Wilkie’s wonderful theatrical work has been entertaining us for years. The three one-act plays will be staged in July at Noosa Arts Theatre, with two special performances included in the Noosa Long Weekend Festival program. Details noosaaartstheatre.org.au and noosalongweekend.com

NT Live War Horse

Have you ever experienced the life-sized puppets of South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage? See the only Sunshine Coast screenings of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of Michael Monpurgo’s novel War Horse adapted for the stage by Nich Stafford, at Noosa Arts Theatre today at 1pm & 7:30pm, Sunday at 6:30pm and Monday at 10am. Bookings noosaartstheatre.org.au or call 5449 9343

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

PAK presents Dario Fo’s hilarious slapstick comedy, which allows its characters to rollick into spectacular absurdity whilst the status quo tumbles into mayhem, and profound political discontent. An evocative and highly entertaining production preceded by Italian themed entertainment and food festival next to the University club. Bookings trybooking.com/73979

Minefields and Miniskirts

The true stories of women who experienced the Vietnam War are poignant and funny. After all, no bomb ever killed the Australian sense of humour! Featuring iconic songs of the era and local talent including Jo Hendrie, Sharon Grimley, Julia Verburgt, Kitten Styler, Tania Nash and Jannine Ritchie, Minefields and Miniskirts is full of surprises. These are ordinary women revealing the extraordinary ways they survived a war. Noosa Arts Theatre March 14, 15, 20,21 & 22 at 7:30pm, March 16 at 2pm and March 22 at 1pm. Bookings noosaartstheatre.org.au or call 5449 9343

Motherhood Out Loud

A contemporary collection of personal truths and funny commentary about the small successes and pitfalls of parenthood, Motherhood Out Loud will make you go home and thank your mother! Featuring Susie Pritchard, Debbie Pitura, Cathy Quinn, Wendy Silvester, Matt Nisbet and more. Buderim Memorial Hall March 14, 15, 21 & 22 at 8pm and March 16 & 22 at 2pm. Bookings batstheatre.com or call 5445 2515

Four Weddings and an Elvis

Sandy, the four-times-married-three-times-divorced owner of a wedding chapel in Las Vegas, has certainly seen her fair share of matrimonies! In this hilarious and heart-warming romantic comedy, we witness three of her most memorable: Bev and Stan, who are getting married as revenge on their exes; Vanessa and Bryce, two arrogant, aging stars who are tying the knot as a publicity ploy; and Martin and Fiona, a gentle postal-worker and a tough ex-con who couldn’t be more in love! However, the final wedding is the most touching of all! Coolum Civic Centre Friday March 21, 22, 28 & 29 at 7.30pm and March 23 & 30 at 2pm. Cabaret seating (tables of 8). BYO Nibbles & Drinks. Bookings www.coolum.com.au/theatre or 07 5446 2500

Auditions

PAK presents the Queensland premiere of In The Heights for an August season. Auditions Monday March 18 at the Yoga Room USC Stadium from 10am (musicians) and Tuesday March 11 from 10am (actors, singers, dancers). PAK productions are open to all USC staff and students. For details email Pak.usc@gmail.com

A Little Night of Music

We’re looking forward to this very special evening! Come along on Saturday night from 6:45pm and be entertained by some of Australia’s finest talent while supporting a wonderful local charity, MontroseAccess. The night will feature many well-known musical numbers from popular stage productions.

Sit back and enjoy this exclusive one night only event in the Flinders Performance Centre, compered by Mr Todd Widdicombe from HOT 91.1FM